New Zealand bans AUKUS submarines from entering Kiwi waters

New Zealand has reiterated their opposition to the idea of nuclear technology, banning the recently announced AUKUS submarine from entering Kiwi waters

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday that the new nuclear-powered submarines which will be partly-operated by Australia would not be allowed in its territorial waters.

The ban falls under New Zealand’s long standing nuclear-free policy, which was enacted in 1984.

On Thursday, the President of the United States Joe Biden along with the Prime Minister’s of the UK and Australia announced a major security partnership.

The Indo-Pacific deal will see America and Britain provide Australia with the tech it needs to develop and deploy nuclear-powered submarines.

The New Zealand leader did however confirm that the new Indo-Pacific grouping does not change the security and intelligence ties of New Zealand – who remains a member of the Five Eyes – a post-war intelligence group that also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada.

New Zeland’s Foreign Minister has stated that she was “uncomfortable” with expanding the nation’s role within Five Eyes. It sparked further criticism from Western allies who stated that NZ remains reluctant to at all criticise China, in fear of impacting current trade ties.

China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner.